Author: Linus Månsson

Updated Xtend Foot Selection Tool

Looking for the perfect prosthetic foot fit?

The Xtend Foot Selection Tool is an online tool that allows you to enter user data to receive a recommendation on which size and category of the Xtend Foot to choose. It’s now updated with an optional setting to enter the user’s previous foot experience as well. This change has been made since we have noticed that this is an important aspect to consider during trials. The tool is available in six different languages; English, Swedish, Norwegian, German, Japanese and French. To switch languages, click the globe in the upper right corner.

Use the tool and get our recommendation regarding what Xtend Foot to choose within seconds.

This is where you can play around with the tool https://footconfig.lindhextend.com/

 

Meet Steven Crawford!

Who am I?
Steven Crawford is my name, but everyone calls me Stevie. I’m 34 years old and originally from Nashville, Tennessee. In a nutshell, I’m an athlete, a goofball, and an adrenaline junkie.
Currently, I reside in Denver, Colorado, and work as a bartender. However, as a Navy veteran, I previously served on a submarine, the USS Albany, for four years. I enjoy traveling the world; I’ve been on the move my whole life. Colorado is a great place for me now, as I love adventure, trying new things, and being outdoors. Even my below knee amputation doesn’t hinder me from doing just that.
 
What’s your story?
My journey with limb loss began in October 2019. While riding my motorcycle, I was nearly hit head-on by a pickup truck whose driver wasn’t paying attention. Although the doctors initially saved my leg, I developed an infection inside the bone after a few months. They informed me that saving my leg would require about three more years of surgeries, with only a 50/50 chance of success. Even if successful, I wouldn’t regain mobility in my ankle or be able to snowboard again. So, I made the decision to have it amputated, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
 
What does “Xtend your life” mean to you?
To me, “Xtend your life” means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences. It’s when we’re outside our comfort zone that we often experience the most growth and discover things we truly love and enjoy. All it takes is taking that first step and trying something new, and you might just fall in love with it. Personally, I’ve developed a passion for climbing and snowboarding. Last fall, I climbed a mountain in Ecuador, and a future goal of mine is to compete in the 2026 Paralympics in Italy. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll make the team.
 
 

 
Steven Crawford

The Xtend Foot Changed My Life

Hearing customer feedback is something we truly appreciate. Here’s some from Jerry Wilson, that works himself as a technician at an Orthopaedic clinic in North Carolina, USA.

For 14 years as a left transtibial amputee, finding the perfect prosthetic foot was an ongoing journey for Jerry. He tried numerous options, each with its strengths. Then, Jerry discovered the Xtend Foot.

“I’ve been wearing another foot for years due to its smooth rollover, but the Xtend foot changed the game. It outshines in balance and stability, crucial for my active lifestyle. Whether I’m working, tending to my yard, or simply living life, I’m on my feet for 14 to 16 hours daily” Jerry claims.

With other feet, uneven terrain was a challenge, causing instability and discomfort. The Xtend foot, however, offers unparalleled stability. Now walking on grass or any irregular surface feels planted and balanced, relieving the soreness and pain he used to experience in his stump.

Jerry shared with both his wife and prosthetist that the Xtend foot feels just like his natural foot. He no longer switch out feet; as this has become his go-to, and he claims it would take something truly exceptional to make him consider a change.

“The Xtend foot isn’t just a prosthetic; it’s become an integral part of my life, providing the stability and confidence I need in every step I take” says Jerry.

Thanks for you feedback Jerry, and continue enjoying life on all kinds of ground!

Meet Sydney Marshburn!

Who are you?

My name is Sydney Marshburn and I am a recent above-knee amputee and the newest edition to the Lindhe Xtend Ambassadors! I am currently the Events & Outreach Manager at the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) and an amputee mentor at Click Medical.  My life goal is to qualify for Team USA’s Para Alpine Ski team.  

What’s your story?

Before my amputation, my body had been dealing with multiple life-threatening conditions and had been in survival mode for years. Four months before I became an amputee, doctors told me I would have to accept being in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. As a 22-year-old, this news was hard to process. Prior to my medical conditions becoming severe and unmanageable, I was a competitive swimmer from age nine to my senior year of high school; I led a very active lifestyle. In 2017 I was formally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a progressive genetic condition caused by a defect in collagen. From that point on, my life revolved around hospital visits and surgeries. Ehlers-Danlos complications and its co-morbidities ultimately led to the amputation of my left leg.

In 2017, I had my first spinal fusion surgery. The operation was successful but left behind a rare complication called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my left leg. I was being burned alive from the inside out. CRPS caused infections that would last 7 months at a time and would be made worse by the EDS (every time I dislocated/subluxed my left ankle or knee I would be left on fire for months). This happened for 4 years: ages 18 to 22. It got to the point where I couldn’t even sleep in my own bed or wear pants because having anything touch my skin made it burn even more. My condition progressed no matter what we tried. Doctors initially dismissed me but my blisters, swelling, and pain became too intense to ignore.

In August 2021, my leg became infected (due to the CRPS) and it started spreading. My surgeon said he would not be able to save my knee or anything below it and it would have to go ASAP, as it had become life threatening. 36 hours later, I lost my leg.

What does Xtend Your Life mean to you?

To me, “Xtend Your Life” is a mindset that means I have the tools necessary to live my life to the fullest.  I plan to make the most of any situation that comes my way.  The Lindhe Xtend prosthetic foot allows me to expand my limitations and adventure further than I ever could with two human legs. 

Follow her on instagram @Sydneym87

Master of data in place

Now we have one more Magnus at the company –  who goes by the nick name Hagge as his last name is Hagberg – not to get him mixed up with our CFO. Magnus is hired as a Supply Chain and Operations Assistant and is a trained business administrator with previous experience as a project coordinator and masters excel at top level both privately as well as at work. Magnus also has great experience with purchasing, warehouse planning and needs assessment which really will come in handy considering our future here at Lindhe Xtend.

Even if structure, numbers and data makes Magnus tick, … he also has a more creative side, being a photographer as well as writing his own music on his electric bass. Training and health is another hobby and we can testify that we already experienced his great sense of humour.

 

Welcome and hope you will like it here Magnus!

4 Factors When Looking for the Best Prosthetist – Our Guide

In the same way that you would find with a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, and orthodontist, finding the right prosthetist for your needs is an effort that entails quite a bit of research because of the various factors involved. 

From asking around for recommendations to incessantly calling different offices to get all the needed information, getting the right prosthetist can be quite laborious. With the prices of custom prosthetics on the rise, it’s only right that you settle with an option that suits your preferences. Fortunately, settling on the right choice for your investment and finding the best prosthetist to suit your needs doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might expect. 

To make the process of finding the perfect prosthesis much easier, here’s a quick checklist that you can use to find the best prosthetist as easily as possible: 

1. A proper background or list of credentials

Generally speaking, the key sign that a prosthetist is more than capable of servicing your needs lies in their list of credentials—namely, their degree, certifications, and list of satisfied clients. A potential prosthetist’s list of credentials is usually displayed on their official website or social media pages. If there aren’t any online references for a professional’s list of credentials, however, then you can always ask the prosthetist themselves for a copy of the record. 

2. Within a close distance from your home or office

Throughout the prosthesis process, you’ll need to shuttle back and forth a few times or several trips because of all the consultations, fittings, and updates to your prosthesis. Before settling on a particular professional, make sure that their office location is close to your home or office so that the entire process can be done efficiently and hassle-free.

3. Great reviews

Another telltale sign that a prosthetist can serve your needs as best as possible is if they have quite the list of reviews and testimonials to back up their claims of quality and service.

A quick search online will lead you to a few dozen detailed reviews about how the final product worked, how helpful the prosthetist was, and whether or not the investment was worth it. Such reviews give insight as to whether or not they’re worth contacting. Aside from the Internet, however, you can also contact the Amputee Coalition for reviews on any prosthetist in your area and ask for any recommendations for a more thorough search! 

4. A willingness and ability to answer every question that is asked

Once you narrow down your options and get in touch with your set of prospective prosthetists, the next factor to watch out for is their ability to answer every question that you may have. Before you call the office or set a meeting with a prosthetist, make sure to come prepared by gathering all the questions that you have in mind so that you can feel more confident in your decision. 

When it comes to asking questions, hold nothing back because the only way to gauge whether or not a prosthetist’s service is worth investing in is if they can ask any question you might have about the treatment itself. 

Finding the best prosthetist to work with for your treatment is integral to having a desirable experience that will carry over long after you’ve fully paid for your prosthesis. Throughout your entire search process, make sure to take these factors into mind so that you can easily understand whether or not a prosthetist’s services are worth shelling out your hard-earned money on! 

If you’re looking for a prosthetic foot, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

6 Tips for New Amputees Who Are Getting a New Prosthesis – Our Guide

Going through the experience of being a new amputee is never going to be easy as you’d like it to be. This is especially true if you used to live a fairly active life filled with hobbies and manual work. Thankfully, life doesn’t have to stop or completely change if you get an amputation because getting a prosthesis can get your overall function back to normal and perform just as well as you used to! 

If you’re fairly new to the idea of having a prosthesis and are keen on maximizing its potential and improving your experience in the long run, then there’s no need to worry because there are a few key tips that you can apply right away. To jump back into your regular routine as quickly as possible, here are six tips that you use to improve and enhance the use of your new prosthesis:

1. Always follow what your prosthetist says

One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure an easygoing and comfortable experience is always to follow your prosthetist’s orders for work. Dutifully following any recommendations and pieces of advice that a prosthetist gives will help with making all the necessary adjustments and guarantee a comfortable experience in no more than a few months! 

2. Keep your prosthesis as clean as possible

Another effective way to cut down the adjustment period with your prosthesis is to keep every corner of your new limb as clean as possible at all times. Practising a few simple routines, such as wearing prosthetic socks regularly, putting on a shrinker overnight, and keeping the insides of your liners clean can make a huge difference in the overall experience with your prosthesis.

3. Call your prosthetist right away if you’re having any issues

When it comes to living every day with your new prosthesis, it’s important to act on any slight issue with comfort, fit, or skin issues right away because small issues can easily grow into bigger ones if they aren’t treated. After you get your final fitting done, make sure to stay in touch with your prosthetist regularly and don’t forget to ask questions!

4. Wear your prosthesis every day

Admittedly, it can be quite tempting to take your prosthesis off every chance you get because of how uncomfortable the entire experience can get. It is important, however, to wear your new prosthesis at all times because it will only get comfortable with daily use as your body accustoms to the feeling much faster.

5. Watch your weight

Know that your weight plays a significant role in how your prosthesis feels since your body’s composition can change when you gain weight, essentially leading to various forms of discomfort. The first few weeks after the amputation period, in particular, can either make or break the entire experience as the sudden inactivity can lead to increased fat, so make sure to keep your weight under control! 

6. Set goals for wearing your prosthesis

Holding yourself accountable by setting goals and doing everything you can to achieve them will make the entire experience of using a prosthesis much more comfortable in the long run. Certain goals, such as exercising more, walking farther, and adding more challenges to use your prosthesis, are great ways to speed up the acclimation period! 

Having a prosthesis is a life-changing experience for anyone to go through. By applying the right tips, you can live normally again as you did before the amputation! By following the tips mentioned in this article, you won’t have to feel any more discomfort or pain with using your prosthesis after a few short months! 

If you are looking for foot prosthesis solutions after getting foot amputation, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

5 Exercises to Improve Your Prosthetic Balance – Our Guide

The first step towards improving your balance requires you to strengthen your core. This doesn’t mean that you will only work on your abs. Instead, core work will take on a holistic approach of strengthening your abs, lower back, and even hip muscles. After a few months of working on your balance, you will notice that every step you take with your prosthetic leg will be much stronger and more deliberate. 

In this article, we will talk more about exercises that will help strengthen your core and other moves that will also improve your balance. 

1. Prosthetic leg balance

This move allows you to balance on your prosthetic leg. If you’re a beginner, make sure to have something to hold on to, such as a stable chair or a handrail within arm’s reach.

Then, with your feet together, lift your sound side foot with the knee facing forward or to the side. Hold the position with eyes open (and fixed on one spot to maintain your balance). Next, hold the same position with eyes closed. Switch feet and repeat 4 times on each foot.

If any move feels wrong or unsafe for you, stop and check with your prosthetist or physician. Depending on your health and physical condition, know that some exercises may not be recommended.

2. Leg swings

This move is excellent for warming up and stretching your hip muscles and joints. First, stand on your right leg and raise the left leg at least 3-6 inches off the floor. Keep your arms at your sides while you swing your left leg forward and backward, touching the floor for balance. While doing so, make sure that you keep your torso erect throughout the movement.

Next, increase the level of difficulty by repeating the move but without allowing your foot to touch the ground. Then, switch legs and repeat.

3. Prosthetic leg clock with arms

To perform this move, have an image of a clock in your mind. First, balance on your prosthetic leg. In doing so, keep your torso straight, head up, and hands on your hips. Point your arm straight overhead to 12 o’clock, then to the side at 3 o’clock, and then circle low and around to 9 o’clock without losing your balance. 

Increase the level of difficulty by having someone else call out the different times to you and even switching it up. After you’re done with your prosthetic leg, switch to the opposite arm and leg and repeat.

4. The clock on an unstable surface

Once you’re confident that you can balance on a stable surface, make it harder by trying the exercise on an unstable surface, such as a BOSU (Ballast Ball) platform. 

If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stand near a wall for safety. Start in the middle of the board on 2 feet. When you feel comfortable, carefully execute the moves that are similar to the Prosthetic Leg Clock exercise. Keep in mind that this exercise will be much harder than it seems.

5. One-legged squat

The one-legged squat is famous for developing great balance, leg strength, and flexibility, as well as coordination. First, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Point your left foot out front, make sure your toes are just barely touching the floor, and push your hips back and down into a one-legged squat position. 

Your right knee should be bent, your chest upright, eyes in front of you, and your arms out front. Then, slowly push your right leg up into the starting position. Make sure to keep your knee relaxed and your back flat throughout the movement. Switch legs, and repeat the movements.

An improved balance will create a stronger version of yourself, even possibly freeing you from lower back pain, which lessens the chance of serious injury in case of a fall. Within months, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your overall walking. Perform these ten exercises regularly and witness improvement in your prosthetic balance.

If you are looking for prosthetic foot solutions, Lindhe Xtend is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Our Guide to Preparing For Life With a Prosthesis – What to Know

After amputation, a new life awaits those who have lost one or more of their limbs. When you lose a part of our body, a prosthesis becomes your new extension. There’s no denying that the transitional period can be difficult for many. If you’ve recently lost a limb, it’s crucial to prepare for the day you’ll be fitted for a prosthesis. Preparation is key and is crucial to the periods both before and after surgery. 

Although much of the preparation is mental, there are still a few other things you’ll have to do to ready yourself for your prosthesis. Here are a few things you should know:

The Planning Process

The planning process requires the coordination of a surgeon, a prosthetist, and a physical therapist. The surgeon will perform the actual amputation while the prosthetist will design, fit, build, and adjust the prosthesis. During the entire process, your physical therapist will be by your side, assisting you in doing exercises before and after the surgery. He or she will also help you learn to use the prosthesis when the time comes.

It’s important for your team to discuss things with you beforehand so the amputation and rehabilitation process goes as smoothly as possible.

Exercising Before and After Surgery

You will need to exercise before and after your amputation. The goal is to increase muscle strength and flexibility because the more strong and flexible you are, the easier it will be for you to adjust to life with a prosthesis. 

Physical therapist-prescribed exercises can also help reduce swelling in the residual limb, while also preventing the tissues in the residual limb from shortening. In most cases, the exercises you have to do will depend on the type of amputation that was performed.

Preparing For Your Prosthesis After Surgery

A prosthesis can be worn soon after the surgery while your residual limb heals. Such a device can also be fit for long-term use when there is reduced swelling in the limb. 

A shrinker or an elastic bandage should be worn over the residual limb while there is still swelling. The compression helps to increase circulation and ease pain, reducing the symptoms of phantom limb.

Preparatory and Permanent Prosthesis

Once the swelling in your residual limb goes down, you may get fitted for a temporary prosthesis. This prosthesis is typically lightweight and easy to use, which is why some experts think it helps people learn to use a permanent prosthesis faster. 

Later on, this prosthesis is replaced with a permanent prosthesis, one that has higher-quality components. Alternatively, patients can choose to use a prosthesis with permanent components, but with a temporary socket and frame.

Using a Prosthesis 

When the prosthesis is delivered, you will then be taught the basics of using the prosthesis, which will include the following:

  • How to put the prosthesis on
  • How to take it off
  • How to walk with it
  • How to care for the skin of the residual limb and the prosthesis

Your physical therapist and occupational therapist will likely be the ones helping you to grow accustomed to life with a prosthesis. Their help will be invaluable for learning how to care for your prosthetic and residual limb.

Rehabilitation

Learning how to use a prosthetic is just the beginning of the recovery process. Amputees also need to undergo rehabilitation for amputation. This is coordinated by an occupational or physical therapist, along with the prosthetist.

The rehabilitation process itself entails different exercises designed to strengthen your muscles and maintain flexibility in the residual limb. Your team of professionals will also teach you how to use the prosthesis and assist you in your daily activities. Along with this is counselling or psychotherapy, which will help round out your care and make it easier to come to terms with the loss of your limb and life with a prosthetic.

Adjusting to life with a prosthesis can be difficult, but preparation truly is key. With our guide, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect, which will hopefully ease your anxieties and help you approach recovery with confidence. 

Are you looking for a high-quality foot prosthesis? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Visit Lindhe Extend for all your foot prosthesis needs today.